The Kerry Strayer Septet

The Kerry Strayer Septet: Jeru Blue: A Tribute to Gerry Mulligan

by Joel Roberts
December 1, 1998

In the years since Gerry Mulligan's death, a number of albums have been recorded in tribute to the great baritone saxophonist and cool jazz patriarch. Kerry Strayer's Jeru Blue, his debut release on the Palmetto label, certainly deserves consideration as one of the best.

Strayer, a Kansas City baritone saxophonist and bandleader, has written eight fresh arrangements of Mulligan compositions and added a terrific original, the title tune, which fits solidly in the Mulligan mode. He has also managed to ...

The Kerry Strayer Septet: Jeru Blue: A Tribute to Gerry Mulligan

by Jack Bowers
December 1, 1998

Palmetto Records has struck gold again with Jeru Blue, Kansas City–based saxophonist Kerry Strayer’s heartfelt and picturesque salute to one of his earliest musical influences, the peerless Gerry Mulligan. It was after hearing a recording by Mulligan and alto saxophonist Paul Desmond that Strayer was hooked forever on the baritone, which he wields in a style influenced by Mulligan but with an assured and persuasive voice that is distinctively his own. To pay suitable homage to the master, Strayer brought ...